It's quiet around here....

and I'm sure it's because our busy boy is not here. I'm getting so much done around here! Here's a few things I've been doing.







I had some composition books laying around, so I prettied them up. I used to belong to craft of the month club, so I had a few of them still to do. Here's what they look like now that they are finished.




I have a few more kits to finish, and was excited to go up in the attic last night to find some more craft boxes I haven't seen in years. How did I get to be such a crafter?




I am also able to take photos, clean house, organize a garage sale, read real books, and fix meals from time to time, get the oil changed on the van, fix the window on the Kia... see below - yes that is a real big rock sitting in the back seat of the car. Oh, how we love whoever is doing these things. Grrr.





I've also talked to C a couple of times. He's hung up on me twice. He has gone through two roommates already, and is alone in his room right now. He steals, lies, and starts fights daily. We've also had a counseling session via phone... I told his therapist there (I was sitting with our therapist here), that this conversation had been held numerous times before, I could hit a replay button, because we've talked about these same issues over and over again. Can he change? Time will tell, but it's not looking likely.

His therapist there (M), told him that this was his last chance, and asked him where he thought he'd go if we gave up on him? C said "another family". I spoke up and told him there would never be another family. We are his family. I didn't tell him where he'd go, I will leave that up to the professionals, but I wanted him to understand that this is truly his last chance. I so hope he will take advantage of his surroundings - learning new coping skills, and then using those skills there.



We shall see what the future holds. One thing I know... I love having more freedom to get the things done that I had put off for so long. I am enjoying my life again. I am enjoying my family time! Our home feels better! Kayli and Levi are not stressed, and the four of us still at home like being around each other. We laugh, we talk, we are together so much more. I just didn't realize how bad things had gotten, until C was gone.



We are blessed. I am blessed! Even though I have trials - we all do - I do love my life! I've been through so much in my life. But, I am grateful for my ongoing challenges, because they continue to shape who I am. I grew up in a very abusive home, and that helped solidify my relationship to my siblings. I adore them all! I made sure I married a strong man, a man I could love and trust. I didn't want my children to experience abuse from 5 different fathers like I did... I wanted them to feel safe with one wonderful father. Heavenly Father has given me special gifts... and I am able to see and feel who I should keep my children away from. I've always been able to see and feel who the abusers are around me. Sometimes that has been a difficult gift to have, but I've been incredibly grateful at the same time.


So, though I miss my youngest boy.... I so enjoy my time without him. That doesn't make me a bad mom, just a mom who is rejuvenating myself. And.. it feels really good!